Singapore Airlines' decision to launch a long-haul budget carrier is a risky but necessary gamble as it comes under growing pressure at both ends of the market, aviation analysts said. -- ST PHOTO: YEN MENG JIIN SINGAPORE - SINGAPORE Airlines' decision to launch a long-haul budget carrier is a risky but necessary gamble as it comes under growing pressure at both ends of the market, aviation analysts said. SIA, one of the world's most profitable premium airlines, surprised the industry on Wednesday by announcing plans to tap into the region's growing appetite for budget air tickets on medium- to long-haul destinations. The sector is currently dominated by neighbouring Malaysia's AirAsia X, which was was launched four years ago and flies to 14 cities including London, Tehran, Paris, Seoul and Tokyo as well as destinations in China, India and Australia. SIA said it aims to la...